My Sensei Mrs. Hata - Happy 100th Birthday Celebration

My teacher Judith Hata Sensei is reaching 100 years old birthday this month! A centennial luncheon celebration for Mrs. Hata was held at Nippon Club, NYC, NY., July 10, 2025.  Nearly 100 people came to this joyful birthday celebration party. She is truly inspiring to all of us and we are so proud of her achievements in many ways! I am so proud and honored to be her student! Here’s to 100 years happy birthday card: The people in your life.  The love in your heart.   The  memories and joys in your world.   These are the things happy birthdays are made of. 

The wisdom in your words.   The strength in your spirit.   The kindness in your smile.

  

Sensei with her daughter and granddaughter 

Celebrating at the Nippon Club, NYC

Her student also my classmate tributes an Ikebana
Demonstration during the celebration 

Oriental Lily and Aster

After workshop class, we had a lot of flowers left! I picked some oriental lily and aster, thinking I might able to create another arrangement. I still had some green materials in my Ikebana room, without realizing it, I made a horizontal style again! (7/7/2025)

Summer Conference- Ikebana Workshop - Playing with Paper

The Ikebana workshop was one of many programs and activities in the summer conference. Besides, there were more than 10 pieces of Ikebana arrangements as I showed in previous post. We had 20 people attend the workshop. All the materials included, learning how to play with paper into your arrangement. It’s fun but it is not easy for beginners. At least they learned what the Sogetsu Ikebana is all about!  (any unconventional materials you can imagine or find to be used but fake flowers)

I made this arrangement for sample 

Another two samples by me (left) and Chih(right)

One of the participant’s arrangement

54th TACEC - TANG Summer Conference

The 54th Taiwanese American Conference East Coast ( TACEC ) and Taiwanese American Next Generation (TANG ) are jointly host and co-sponsored. It was held from 7/3/2025 to 7/6/2025 at West Chester University, Willminton.  Three generations, more than 800 people attended this year’s Summer camp conference. The first generation like us is dwindling in numbers, but the number of 2nd and 3rd generation participants is gradually growing. That is a good thing. It is really comforting and delightful to recognize our identity that we are Taiwanese American.

The theme “ Taiwan Resonance of the World”
Stage design by Ikebana team

Music Concert stage design 

My arrangement “Sunshine” (Sogetsu School)

Ikenobo School 

Ikenobo School 

Using Leftover Sunflowers - Horizontal Style

I just don’t want any used materials to be wasted! So, here’s my arrangement using sunflower, hosta, azalea and palm. I place mitsumata on top of my favorite ceramic container for securing the materials easier.  (7/1/2025) 

Mainline Branch Annual Exhibition (2 of 2)

Everyone did a great job! As you can see from the quality of beautiful arrangements that I posted here, all from our Sogetsu Mainline Branch members. Our Sensei, Mrs. Hata made a special trip coming to see our exhibition at the Brandywine museum of art. We are so grateful! We have gotten so many wonderful comments from visitors who came to see our arrangements! 

Marcia’s entrance arrangement 

Close up view 

Side back view 

Mainline Branch Annual Exhibition at Brandywine Museum of Art (1 of 2)

Our Sogetsu Mainline Branch’s annual exhibition is held on 6/27/2025 to 6/30/2025. We have 17 class members participate in an Ikebana exhibition at the museum. They make a beautiful setting just for us. When the museum opens, the visitors will not only see the paintings, art pieces but also see the unique arrangements at the same time. 

My arrangement: I have two trunks of wood, I am thinking about using them to make a floor arrangement. Because of that I am looking for larger branches, a friend of mine who has a big wooded area in her side yard, I have been eyeing her beautiful azalea bushes for a while, and when the time comes, she graciously allows me to cut a branch! It’s perfect to suit my needs! I am so grateful! I would like to show my arrangement here first, the rest of others will follow.

Sunflower, mum, alstroemeria, philodendron, hosta / ceramic vase 

Displayed between the two pedestal 

Side view